Physical distancing or physical restriction is one of the recommended steps to prevent the spread of the Corona virus. Not only when outside the house, the government even recommends that this method is also done when inside the house.
The number of people suffering from Corona virus infection or COVID-19 in Indonesia continues to increase and is increasingly concerning. To reduce the possibility of the spread of the Corona virus, which is easily contagious, the Indonesian government and the World Health Organization (WHO) encourage the public to maintain a safe distance from others through physical distancing.
What's that Physical Distancing?
Physical distancing or physical distancing is an effort made to control the spread of Corona virus infection and prevent COVID-19.
While undergoing physical distancing, You are asked not to travel to crowded places, such as malls, restaurants, markets, as well as gyms or fitness centers. As much as possible avoid using commuter line, busway, or other crowded public transportation.
You also need to limit direct contact, such as shaking hands, and maintain a safe distance of at least 1 meter when interacting with other people, especially if that person is sick or at high risk of being infected with the Corona virus.
In practice, physical distancing It can also be done in the following ways:
- Do not leave the house, except for important matters, such as buying basic necessities or getting medical treatment when sick.
- Greet others with a wave, not a handshake.
- Work or study from home.
- Take advantage of a mobile phone or video call to stay connected with relatives and coworkers.
- Do exercise at home, not at the gym or gym.
- If you want to shop for daily necessities, do it outside of peak hours.
- Ask the courier for delivery of goods or food to do contactless delivery (accepting orders without meeting directly with the courier) when ordering food or other goods.
- Postponing visiting other people or going home, especially in the upcoming month of Ramadan.
- Maintain a seat distance in the school or office environment
To ensure physical distancing disciplined and effective, some countries, such as China, Italy, and India, have even implemented lock down.
In addition to public places, the government also emphasizes physical distancing inside the house. This is because you or someone at home who looks healthy and doesn't show symptoms of COVID-19 may actually have been infected with the Corona virus and have the potential to transmit it to others.
Corona virus transmission will be easier for people who have a high risk of contracting the Corona virus, such as the elderly, people with chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as people who have weak immune systems, for example due to cancer or HIV infection. .
is Physical Distancing Together with Social Distancing?
Previously, this effort to limit distance from other people was known as social distancing. It's just that, some time ago, WHO recommended replacing the term with physical distancing.
The reason, the use of the term social distancing it is feared that it could be misinterpreted by cutting off communication or social interaction with family and relatives. In fact, social interaction also has an important role in efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
By keeping in touch with others, we can give each other news and encouragement, so that we don't feel lonely, sad, or isolated. These negative feelings can trigger stress and depression, and weaken the immune system.
In addition, we can also exchange information regarding how to prevent the virus and the latest situation outside the home.
The government and WHO hope that the replacement of this term can make it easier for the public to understand that the effort that needs to be done to prevent the spread of the Corona virus is to maintain a safe physical distance, not to cut off social contact.
Physical distancing In essence, it is quite effective in preventing the spread of the Corona virus. However, this certainly needs to be accompanied by other prevention efforts, such as diligent hand washing, clean the house well, and strengthen the immune system.
To find out how likely you are to have been infected with the Corona virus, you can take advantage of the Corona virus risk check feature that is provided free of charge by Alodokter.
If you have been in a COVID-19 endemic area in the last 14 days and experience COVID-19 symptoms in the form of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, immediately self-isolate and call the COVID-19 hotline at 119 Ext. 9 for further guidance.
When in doubt, you can chat directly with the doctor in the Alodokter application. Do not go directly to the hospital because the risk of transmitting the Corona virus in the hospital is quite high. If you really need a direct examination from a doctor, make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through the Alodokter application so that you can be directed to the nearest doctor who can help you.